If you want to be a cosmetic chemist here is what you do

byPerry Romanowski

Heather hopes the Brains can help: Hi, I’m currently looking in to Cosmetic Science as a career. I will be graduating from uni this year but have no previous experience in the area. I plan to do a diploma from the SCS in Cosmetic Science to start me off. If you have any advice or information I’d be very grateful. Thank you!

Heather, how wonderful that you want to enter cosmetic science. This industry, and science based industries in general, need more women. I have always found it amusing/appalling to hear non-make-up wearing, bald men men in our industry blab on about exactly what women want. Ha!

We often get asked this and similar questions about becoming a cosmetic scientist on the Beauty Brains so we’ll provide a general answer here. Hopefully, some of this information helps you.

Key Moves to Become a Cosmetic Scientist

1. Get a science degree. Unless you have a relative who started the company, if you want to become a cosmetic chemist you will need a college degree in science since most cosmetic firms require it. Preferred ones include degrees in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering. However, plenty of scientists in our industry have Biology, Microbiology, and even Physics degrees. The specific college or Uni that you attend is less important than which degree you received.

2. Consider getting an advanced degree. True, a 4-year college degree is all you need, but you can improve your chances of breaking into cosmetics by getting an advanced degree. Your involvement with the SCS is a great start in the UK. In the United States, there are only a few advanced degrees offered. These include places like the University of Cincinnati, St. John’s University, Rutgers University, University of Southern California, etc. Check the college’s Pharmacy departments for more information. You can contact the Society of Cosmetic Chemists (SCC) for a complete list. In addition to getting something good for putting on your resume, you’ll get invaluable experience making cosmetic products & meet some great people.

3. Find the companies where you’d like to work. This industry has thousands of companies that employ cosmetic chemists. Where do you find them? If you like, internet searches work, but you can also search trade magazines like Happi or GCI. In GCI, your search can be done by region of the US or world. Of course, you can also look at what company makes a product you like and Google their contact information to inquire about jobs.

4. Figure out what job you want. Speaking of jobs, many different different ones exist in the cosmetic industry for scientists. If you actually want to make formulas, you’ll want a formulating job. People who enjoyed experiments in Organic Chemistry might like these jobs. If you were more interested in Analytical Chemistry than you’ll want to find a job in an analytical lab. You can also find jobs in microbiology, perfumery, and quality control. For chemical engineers, your job search can lead you to process engineering which requires you to figure out how you might scale 1kg batches up to 10,000 kg tanks. Finally, if all else fails you can get a sales job. Raw material suppliers always look for people with technical backgrounds who can sell product. Personally, I think formulating jobs rule!

5. Find a temporary assignment. If it is too difficult to break directly into the industry, you might try finding a job through a temp agency. These companies can place you at big cosmetic companies like P&G or Unilever for a short or longer term assignment. Many people get hired on permanently at companies after starting as a temp.

6. Network with other cosmetic chemists. If you really want to step ahead of the other cosmetic science job seekers, strike up relationships with other scientists that already work on cosmetics. The most popular US association is the SCC and in the UK it is the SCS. For other countries you can contact the IFSCC to find out your local organization. The SCC has chapters throughout the US and you can often visit a monthly meeting for free. There you can meet the most famous cosmetic chemist. If you prefer computers, look on LinkedIn, Facebook or MySpace for chemists who list their affiliation. You can even join the Chemists Corner forum and get connected with other cosmetic chemists.

Cosmetic science is a rewarding career which enables you to create and use almost any cosmetic or personal care product you want. Better living through chemistry. I love it!

If you want to learn more about starting a career as a cosmetic chemist, be sure to sign up for this free 4-part course on cosmetic science.

i’m thinking of becoming a cosmetic chemist in future. What sciences should I major in ? Is majoring in chemistry better choice than biology in this career ? Or majoring in Biochemistry ? I’m really confused in that

Hello,
I have B.S degree on biochemistry and a year work experience as a stability tech in R&D at a cosmetics manufacturing .
I would like to formulate . Is there any course or license that could help me to learn formulation ?

Hi, I’m interested in starting my own product line and i think It may be a great start to get an advanced degree in Cosmetic science. The program is I have a undergrad degree in liberal arts and many of the advance science degrees I see require that you have an undergrad science degree. I would rather not get 2 degrees, but is there anything or school I can look into that does not require a undergrad science degree?

Hi! I would very much like to work as a cosmetic chemist – probably in formulating. I’m starting university next week, a master programme in molecular biotechnology engineering which is 5 years long (in Sweden since I’m swedish). I chose that programme because I didn’t want to study only chemistry. I’ve always loved biology in school so I felt I couldn’t leave that behind. Molecular biotechnology engineering turned out to be the best choice for me – chemistry and biology combined. I wonder if the programme I’ve chosen could perhaps give me the background needed to eventually become a cosmetic chemist?

Hi Jenny
I’m Tamera from CA 🙂
I am very interested in becoming a cosmetic chemist (formulate organic skin and hair care specifically) and I am doing as much research before I commit to a school. This is a passion/hobby of mine and I believe I can be successful at this career because I’m good in science, I can cook, I’m a strong writer, and am very organized and precautions and I feel that this is what I finally want to pursue. I am stuck with which branch of science to go with: chemistry… or is there a better choice available? You mention you studied molecular biotechnology engineering…now it being 2020, would you say taking that course instead of just chemistry has more advantages or is more beneficial than just taking chemistry to become a cosmetic chemist?

Hi! I am very interesting in pursuing the cosmetic science route. I am graduating from high school this spring and I was wondering if getting a chemistry degree is better than a chemical engineering degree or vice versa.

Hi, I am currently studying business in my home country, but would really like continue in cosmetic science. However I don’t have any sciences…what do you suggest? Also I’m thinking of relocating to the UK.

I am currently running a doctor of pharmacy program in a university in west Africa.I am hoping to do my masters degree in cosmetic pharmacy. What are my chances as a foreign student in terms of scholarship and is my pharmacy degree relevant? I really have the passion to see to the beauty needs of we women as in this part of the world where I am there is not much information on this profession. Thanks

Hi! I am currently in high school and will be graduating in 2018. I wanted to know if it was possible to study cosmetic sciences at an undergraduate level. If not, what are the majors you recommend I pursue before graduation.

Shivani, were are you from? My company is seeking some lab techs who actually are full-fledged formulators of cosmetics, skin and hair care if you are located in (or willing to relocate to) the Chicago area. Let me know if you or anyone you know is interested! This is a great way to get your foot in the door and work your way up (rather quickly) to a junior, then a senior chemist. This is the career path our senior chemists have all taken here. I am available at stasiak@universalbeauty.com.

Actually I am in 12 science this year so I was searching for career after 12 and love to test makeup and stuff so what should I do if I wanna take cosmetic science. Plz help and I are there college’s in Mumbai for cosmetic science degree

Coming across this website have been a great help to me!
I completed my Bachelors in Materials Engineering in June 2016. I really want to pursue my higher studies in Cosmetic Science. Do you think that is possible?

Hi, I have done my Bachelors and Masters in Cosmetic Technology in the year 2014 and 2016 respectively. I have also done my internship in Oriflame India office and now seeking a full-time opportunity in Hyderabad, India or any other cities in India and won’t hesitate to relocate to other countries. In case you come across any vacancy please do let me know over email anushrutashinde@outlook.com so that I can share my profile.
Thanks in advance…

Hello I am currently a senior in undergrad and Im getting closer to graduating so Im a bit nervous about how Im gonna get a job in the cosmetic science industry. Ive been using linked in and connecting with more people in the field but I am finding that their isnt alot of opportunities where I live so I will most likely have to move. But i feel like that will be very hard and expensive.

Hello,
I just moved here to the U.S. from Thailand. I have 20 years experience as a research and development cosmetic chemist. What would an average salary be in the U.S. for a chemist with roughly my experience?
Thank you

I am a 16 yr old junior high school student and i am planning to start my own cosmetic company soon. What should i take? STEM as my strand in senior high school then Business/Marketing in college? Or ABM in senior high school and Organic Chemistry/Physiology in college? Is it also necessary to take a degree in cosmetology to have a cosmetic brand/company? Thank you for your answer.